Simply Wanderfull
Step into the heart of Italy with these delightful cherry-filled amaretti cookies, where tradition meets indulgence in every bite. Known for their chewy texture and rich almond flavour, these cookies are a beloved staple in Italian bakeries. The addition of a sweet cherry nestled in the center of the cookie adds a burst of fruity goodness that is a perfect balance of flavour!
The first time I tried one of these delightful treats was at a small grocery store in Fort Myers called Mario’s Italian Grocery and bakery. I thought I was in heaven! The flavour and texture of the cookie was so sweet and delicious. A perfect cookie! If you are ever visiting Fort Myers and the Southwest Florida area, check out my article on my picks for the 30 best restaurants: Fort Myers, Bonita Springs and Naples.
History of the Amaretti Cookie
Amaretti cookies, known for their delightful crunch and subtle sweetness, originate from the charming town of Saronno in Lombardy, Italy. These traditional Italian meringue-based cookies date back to the early 18th century and are made primarily from egg whites, sugar, and crushed apricot kernels, giving them a unique flavor profile.
According to local legend, the recipe was created when a young couple welcomed a visiting bishop with these sweet treats, leading to a blessing for their marriage and the preservation of the cookie’s secret recipe for generations. Today, amaretti cookies are enjoyed worldwide, often paired with coffee or crumbled over desserts like gelato, celebrating their rich heritage and delicious taste.
Although, I am not using Apricot kernals for this recipe, so it won’t be totally authentic but be assured this thumbprint cookie will not disappoint!
If you are making these delicious cookies, I highly recommend picking up a jar of Amarena Cherries.
Amarena cherries are a luxurious and versatile ingredient, renowned for their rich, sweet-tart flavor and elegant appearance. These Italian cherries, preserved in a sweet syrup, are a favorite among professional chefs and home bakers alike. They can be used in a variety of desserts, such as cakes, cheesecakes, tarts, and ice creams, adding a depth of flavour and a striking visual contrast with their dark, almost black colour.
Here is an Amazon link for the cherries: https://amzn.to/3ZvPkhM. If you live in Canada, you can also find them at Zehrs Grocery Stores. They sell a PC Brand Amarena Cherries.
Let's Make Them Together!
INgredients:
Here is what you will need to make these cookies:
- 2-3/4 cups of Almond Flour
- 3/4 cups Sugar
- 3 tbsp. Amaretto
- 1 tsp. Almond Extract
- 3 Egg Whites
- pinch of salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Amarena Cherries, or Maraschino Cherries
- Powdered Sugar
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, granulated sugar, amaretto, almond extract, lemon zest and salt. Stir until well mixed. I like to use my hands to work the amaretto and almond extract into the almond flour. The batter should resemble like damp sandy feel. This really incorporates the flavours evenly through the cookie.
In another bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy and soft peaks form. This will take approximately 3-4 minutes.
Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and mix into a soft, sticky-ish dough.
Shape the Cookies: Dust your hands with confectioners’ sugar to prevent sticking. Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all dough is used.
Create Thumbprints: Place each dough ball on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about an inch apart. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, create an indentation in the center of each ball. Add the Cherries: Place a cherry in each indentation, gently pressing it down into the dough. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the cookies are set and golden around the edges. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with additional confectioners’ sugar before serving if desired. Enjoy!
Almond Cherry Amaretto Thumbprint Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
- 2-3/4 cups of Almond Flour
- 3/4 cups Sugar
- 3 tbsp. Amaretto
- 1 tsp. Almond Extract
- 3 Egg Whites
- pinch of salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Amarena Cherries or Maraschino Cherries
- Powdered Sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, granulated sugar, amaretto, almond extract, lemon zest and salt. Stir until well mixed. I like to use my hands to work the amaretto and almond extract into the almond flour. The batter should resemble like damp sandy feel. This really incorporates the flavours evenly through the cookie.
- In another bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy and soft peaks form. This will take approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and mix into a soft, sticky-ish dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Dust your hands with confectioners’ sugar to prevent sticking. Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all dough is used.
- Create Thumbprints: Place each dough ball on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about an inch apart. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, create an indentation in the center of each ball. Add the Cherries: Place a cherry in each indentation, gently pressing it down into the dough. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the cookies are set and golden around the edges. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with additional confectioners’ sugar before serving if desired. Enjoy!
Enjoy the cookies!
As you savour these delicious Amaretto cookies, I hope you’ve enjoyed every moment of baking and sharing them with your loved ones. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and for trying out this recipe. If you have any favourite recipes or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment or reach out – I love hearing from our readers! Until next time, happy baking and warm wishes from our kitchen to yours.
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